If you overeat, hate your body, or believe that losing ten pounds will make you happy, I know how you feel. I’ve been bulimic, an overeater, an overexerciser, a chronic dieter, a health food nut, and have tried every eating plan out there.
The motivation behind my habits was a desire for peace: acceptance of my body, and a healthy relationship with food. I eventually found it, but not from a diet book. Here are my ten tips for overcoming overeating:
1. Embrace your stuff.
Overeating and body hatred are some of my issues. If you’re reading this, it’s also probably one of yours. Embrace it. It’s God’s way of waking you up to your true self: your spirit. Don’t be envious of other women who don’t have food issues. (They have their stuff, too; it’s just in a different form.) For whatever reason, overeating is your issue. Embrace it. It can be your greatest teacher.
2. Unravel your overeating hairball.
Overeating is never about food. I have spent years unraveling my hairball, and have learned so much about myself in the process. I overeat for comfort; to feel nurtured; to escape anxiety, anger and other "bad" feelings. I overeat as a way of keeping me from my life purpose (eating as insulation.) I overeat because I don't feel worthy of being beautiful. I overeat because I take care of others at my own expense.
Why do you overeat? Are you willing to dig deep?
3. Ask for help.
There is a world of help out there: so many fabulous authors and books. I believe we live in a benevolent universe, and that if you ask for help, all kinds of resources will come to your aid.
While you’re at it, ask other women for help, too. Do you have a friend you can call when you’re feeling a need to binge? Do you have another friend who will be your exercise accountability partner? Do you know someone who will grocery shop with you? Ask.
4. You are not your thoughts.
If your mind tells you you’re fat, you don’t have to believe it. If your mind tells you that you can’t live without a cookie, you don’t have to believe it, either. A thought is just a thought. It doesn’t mean it’s true. Question your thoughts—-they are like clouds in the sky. Your true self, my dear, is the sun.
5. Examine your fear.
Try this exercise: Put your hand on your heart, close your eyes, and breathe deeply for several breaths.
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